There are lots of events coming up in May, both in the community and in our stores.

May 4th and 5th is the annual Gamble Garden Center Garden Tour. This is an event we have supported for many years, and is an annual tradition in Palo Alto. Five private gardens are open for tour, as well as the Gamble Garden itself. Call 650- 329-1356 for more information, or go to www.gamblegarden.org.

May 5 will see the 85th annual Children's Parade in downtown Palo Alto. Many of our customers probably have fond memories of this time- honored event; I remember sitting on the curb in front of our University Ave store every year to watch the parade pass by. Palo Alto Downtown Business and Professional Association (PAD; www.paloaltodowntown.com.) is organizing several activities before and after the parade to provide children places for face painting, costume- making, and other fun pursuits. This year's parade theme is "The Wonderful World of Make Believe," and the parade itself will feature dozens of floats and bands, as well as many adults who marched in the event as children themselves. It's a fun way to spend a Saturday morning, and perhaps start your own family tradition.

May 5 also marks the arrival of some fantastic playhouses at the Stanford Shopping Center for the Dreams Happen event. This is the annual fundraising event for Rebuilding Together (formerly Christmas in April.) The playhouses, all designed by local architects, will be on exhibit throughout the month, with the Gala and Auction on June 2. (You can find out more at www.rebuildingtogetherpeninsula.org.) It provides a perfect backdrop for strolling through the shopping center with, of course, a stop to look at some of the beautiful jewelry and watches we have at our store there. The shopping center has been a partner in this event for many years, and the money raised has made a big difference to the local beneficiaries.

As the birthstone for May, the emerald, a symbol of rebirth, is believed to grant the owner foresight, good fortune, and youth. Emerald, derived from the word smaragdus, meaning green in Greek, was mined in Egypt as early as 330 B.C. Today, most of the world's emeralds are mined in Colombia, Brazil, Afghanistan, and Zambia. The availability of high- quality emerald is limited; consequently, treatments to improve clarity are performed regularly.

Turn-of-the-century emerald and diamond brooch/pendant from our private collection. This was purchased from a local client who had inherited it from a relative; at the time of purchase, it was said to have been a gift from the Shreve family, though no hallmarks can be located to further identify it.

Gleim the Jeweler has been listed in the May issue of Harper's Bazaar Magazine as a Jewelry Leader! This month's issue has a page listing "The best jewelry and watch retailers in America," and we are proud to be included. There are only 18 firms in California listed as Jewelry Leaders, which makes it even more of an honor. What makes us jewelry leaders? Consistent focus on quality, an experienced and educated sales team, attention to giving our clients the kind of service they deserve, as well as the kind of education they need in order to make the best decision. We have chosen to carry collections focused on classic and timeless designs, rather than bringing in every new trend, though we make every attempt to bring in contemporary flair within those collections. We have also been leaders in estate and antique jewelry, becoming involved in buying and selling estate and period jewelry decades before it became so popular. And we are leaders because of our long-time focus on the client, making sure we can provide the knowledgeable and personal service which you deserve.